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Column: Is Colerain Township immigrant friendly?

Colerain Township has a large immigrant population living, working and attending school within our borders. They live in the shadows in fear of law enforcement.

Are these new citizens and their children protected equally under township laws? They drive their cars because Metro service doesn’t provide adequate scheduling for the most Americans much less the odd hours of migrant’s work.

Is there a way for a migrant person to obtain an Ohio Driver’s license legally? No! Why? Ohio is not one of the 21 states that issue driver’s license to non-documented persons. All Ohio residents should take the Ohio driver’s test after taking driver’s education classes, passing the test and proof of insurance. Ohio driver license law should be changed.

How can a person without proper identification of residence (non-documented, homeless or returning citizens) prove where they live? They can’t without an official photo ID card. The Metropolitan Area Religious Coalition of Cincinnati has created a community ID card which will improve the potential for individuals to be recognized and provided with equal protection and due process under the law and receive governmental services in Cincinnati. MARCC ID is not a replacement for a driver’s license or state ID card or provide the right to vote in an election.

MARCC ID card can be obtained Saturday, Feb. 18, at Woodward High School, at 9:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. Bring expired photo ID, passport, national ID, or other embassy ID, proof of residency like a utility bill or rent receipt and $15. MARCC is looking to expand their ID card recognition throughout Hamilton County. For information to schedule a sign-up date for Colerain Township, contact Catholic Charities for information.

The U.S. was formed by “welcoming the stranger” from every country in the world. The U.S. is the “melting pot” of the world. As Emma Lazarus so aptly wrote in 1883 and is chiseled into the base of the Statue of Liberty, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teaming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me. I lift my lamp beside the golden door.”

Now is not the time to turn our backs on those in need from other shores, now is not the time to close our doors. What country did your ancestors come from? Did not their efforts help to make the U.S. a wonderful nation in which to live? Why can’t our “new” neighbors do the same?